US Secretary of State Rubio asserts that Iran must cease all uranium enrichment to progress in nuclear negotiations

Rubio from the US has called on Iran to cease uranium enrichment and missile development, as well as to permit US inspections, in light of the stalled nuclear negotiations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined stringent requirements for Iran in advance of renewed nuclear talks, demanding that Tehran cease its uranium enrichment program, stop the development of long-range missiles, and grant complete inspection access to American officials. His remarks arrive as a new series of nuclear discussions, planned for Saturday in Rome, has been delayed due to escalating tensions.

During an interview on Fox News’ Hannity on Thursday, Rubio stated that Iran needs to “walk away” from various activities deemed unacceptable by the US. “They must cease their sponsorship of terrorists, they must stop aiding the Houthis [in Yemen], they must abandon the development of long-range missiles that exist solely for the purpose of acquiring nuclear weapons, and they must halt their enrichment activities,” he stated.

Rubio emphasized that Iran ought to import enriched uranium for its civilian nuclear energy requirements rather than producing it on its own. He cautioned that the existing level of enrichment, even if minimal, could rapidly increase. “If you can enrich at 3.67%, it only takes a few weeks to reach 20%, then 60%, and subsequently the 80 and 90% required for a weapon,” he stated.

Iran asserts that its uranium enrichment activities are allowed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and emphasizes that it does not intend to pursue the development of a nuclear weapon. Tehran has consistently dismissed the idea of including its missile programme in negotiations, asserting that it pertains to national defence.

Alongside Rubio’s comments, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated pressure on Iran by declaring that all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must stop immediately. He cautioned that any individuals or nations persisting in such trade would encounter secondary sanctions and be prohibited from engaging in business with the United States.

On Friday, Iran issued a strong denial of the threats posed by the US. “The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that while it emphasizes its dedication to diplomatic efforts and expresses its willingness to persist in negotiations, it will not accept methods rooted in threats and pressure.”

A senior Iranian official announced that the fourth round of nuclear talks, originally scheduled to occur in Rome, has been postponed. “The official indicated that a new date will be established based on the US approach.”

As negotiations come to a standstill and rhetoric intensifies, the divide between US demands and Iranian positions grows, raising concerns about the likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough.